Friends Online...Fake Or Not?

This article is letter (F) of our “Future Content” series where we write an article for each letter of the phrase. “Future Content” explores what the future may hold for your online content. Find links to more articles in the series below.

If you’re of the younger generation, you’ve most likely made an online friend or two while cruising the internet. If you’re of the more mature generations, you may be scratching your head in complete confusion as to how you can call someone you’ve never met “a friend.” Are online friends fake? Or are they real? Let’s find out.

What Is An Online Friend?

Some argue online friends can never be a true friend. Others swear the connections they’ve made online are precious. Like with all things in our technological world, the definition of a friend is changing. Teens and children, the Digital Natives (those born during or after the introduction of digital technology), can and do make friends online they consider real.

You’ve Got A Friend In Me

“Nearly 40% of teens said they met someone online who went on to become a good friend. Teens go on to report these online friendships as having a positive social influence in their lives and that these relationships make them feel good about themselves.”

It can awkward if it’s just two of you as there may be a lot of pressure to keep the conversation going. A group meetup can keep things more lively as there are just simply more people in the mix.

Meet In Public

Of course, we’re still talking strangers on the internet here. So don’t let your guard down entirely yet and just open your house’s front door for them. Meeting somewhere like a bar or restaurant will go over well.

Word Up:

The digital age is amazing in that we can now connect with people we would have never even crossed paths with. Who says an internet pal can’t graduate to being a real life friend, too?